Throughout human history, people have developed ways to mark specific times of
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Throughout human history, people have developed ways to mark specific times of
change or transition in both the natural world and their own lives. These
somewhat public “marks,” although expressed in different ways in different
cultures, connect with deep beliefs and values all humans share: the passage of
time from one year to the next; the awareness of the changing seasons and the
unseen forces which control the weather and affect human survival, such as
celebrations of the summer and winter solstices, or the inescapable truth that all
life is temporary and will end, and something else will begin – funerals are
evidence of this. There are also birthdays, coming-of-age events, marriages,
initiations and graduations – these are indicators of changes in social status of
individuals during the journey through this life.
However: whether it is an individual transition or a culture-wide event, rites of
passage are deeply symbolic and incorporate behaviors which highlight a leaving
of the old, a period of transition (almost like standing on a threshold between
two realms) and an incorporation into the new identity.
Rites of passage are often woven into the stories humans tell. Characters in
myths and tales often experience their own transformations, sometimes enduring
pain or going on long journeys in order to achieve certain goals, find answers to
questions, or even to escape death itself.
Although you are not a mythic hero/heroine, you have experienced your own
rites of passage.
For this paper, you are going to investigate TWO (2) specific rites of passage in
which you played a personal role – whether as a guest or organizer or as the one
for whom the event was planned.
For each of those chosen rites, you will:
FIRST: Explain WHAT the occasion was and what sort of ceremony was used to
mark that occasion – in other words, briefly summarize the event from start to
finish, including stating what role you played and whether or not there were
others there who watched and why they were (or were not) present.
SECOND: Using both the in-class information AND at least two (2) pre-approved
outside academic research sources which focus on rites of passage, you are to
discuss how the aspects of the ceremony you have just described relate to the
aspects or characteristics of a rite of passage. Be thoughtful in your comments –
do NOT just be descriiptive. Try to understand and express the symbolism and
meanings of parts/items in the ceremony (remember, these meanings are not
always outwardly expressed during the rite). Think about manners of
dress/costume, decorations, foods, gifts, songs and chants, use of special or new
names or specific ritualized actions. Remember that details such as colors and
shapes also may carry symbolic meaning and significance.
THIRD: Are you aware of similar ceremonies in other cultures or for other groups?
You might want to look up the history of each ceremony you have chosen to learn
the answer to this question. Once you find it, present that information in this
paper. Remember to name the sources you used.
You may use Internet sources for your outside research, BUT – if you use them,
check with me first and, if those sources are approved, remember to give the
website address and date you accessed the site as part of your bibliography.
A WORD OF CAUTION: SOCIAL MEDIA SITES (INCLUDING FACEBOOK, ETC.,BLOGS
OR OTHER GROUP SITES), AND/OR MATERIALS ON WIKIPEDIA ARE NOT TO BE
USED AS SOURCES FOR YOUR PAPER.
Your paper will also be filtered to check for material composed and/or enhanced
by chatbots and/or AI. If your work is found to contain contributions from any
of these or other outside sources or individuals, you will receive NO CREDIT.
There are no exceptions to this. Further information about the rules regarding
plagiarism and cheating are found on the syllabus as well as on GCC’s student
academic policies.
Finally, remember this: it is not necessary for the behaviors in which you
participated to have a “formal” title designating them as “rites” or “ceremonies”
of some type. What IS necessary is that you establish that the ceremony you
discuss contains aspects of the expressive behaviors/elements and the symbolic
significance that we associate with rites of passage.
You are to type this using a font no larger than 12.
SIX PAGES MINIMUM FOR THIS REPORT – PLUS BIBLIOGRAPHY OF SOURCES USED.
